A Sunshine Coast rugby club and one of the region’s most recognisable young residents have won prizes in the 2015 Premier’s Sustainability Awards.

Announced at a special ceremony at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday, the Nambour Toads Rugby Club was named as the Community Award winner, while Bindi Irwin was selected as the inaugural Young Achiever’s Award recipient for her work with Australia Zoo’s Wildlife Warriors.

“The Toads have done a remarkable job in turning what was an old landfill site into an organically-certified sporting field,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“To be recognised as the best community achievement statewide is outstanding for the Nambour club and everyone who has worked on the project.

“They have certainly created an innovative facility which includes a range of sustainability measures – from cutting down on herbicides and pesticides, to installing energy saving lighting and recycling drink cans.

“Their members, players and supporters can be proud of what they have achieved. It is a great example for others around the state to follow.

“Congratulations also to Bindi on her Young Achiever award which is very well deserved recognition for her leadership and efforts to promote sustainability and environmental conservation.

“She is a wonderful role model for young Sunshine Coast residents, showing them, and her countless thousands of fans around the world, how it’s possible to be involved in the conservation of wildlife and wild places.

“Her enthusiasm for what she does, plus her wide range of knowledge, really makes a difference.”

Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles said 117 excellent nominations were received for this year’s awards.

“The quality of the entries is a strong sign that Queenslanders are embracing sustainability as an essential aspect of our everyday lives, in our cities and on the land, at work and at play,’’ Dr Miles said.

Each category winner received a handsome trophy designed and created by Queensland artist Mick Zalesky using recycled materials to symbolise new beginnings for sustainable growth.